With the Insult

If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. - 1 Peter 4:14

Quite possibly the most difficult thing about acquiring a new language is becoming a humble learner. No one really enjoys looking ignorant, but when you are learning a new language you appear that way most of the time. While many of the people you will encounter on your language journey (who speak the native tongue) are very kind and helpful, they are also human and cannot help but chuckle when you inevitably stumble through your pronunciations. Language-learners usually look and sound ridiculous and will often be the object of some good-natured ridicule. C'est la vie.

In much more hurtful ways, a person may be the object of some serious ridicule and insult in the course of learning how to follow Christ. Many who were once friends become antagonists. What about those moments? What encouragement might a new or even persistent believer find in times like these?

According to Peter, we should remember that with the insult comes a blessing, "because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on" the one who is persecuted. This, my friends, is the strength and power of all those called to follow the Savior.

Let my name stand among those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won. - Louisa May Alcott